As we already told you on another occasion, pets have been depicted in art since prehistoric times. Because they are part of our family life and culture. That is why one post is not enough to talk about pets in art. So today we are going to share more works featuring pets with you, as well as others in which pets play an important role. They have all gone down in history. We hope you enjoy them.
The Arnolfini Marriage
This is how Jan van Eyck's work is popularly known, although its true title is “The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Giovanna Cenami.” The work shows a moment from the wedding between an Italian merchant and the daughter of another merchant. The work has been analyzed, and continues to be analyzed, by experts around the world because it is filled with elements that, although they may seem incidental to inexperienced eyes, are full of symbolism. The friendly little dog at the couple's feet is a good example. Indeed, the small terrier symbolizes companionship, fidelity, and love - values that both the artist and, presumably, the couple considered essential for a happy marriage.
The lifesaving Landseer
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer was a British painter, specialized in animal paintings. His best-known works are, however, the famous sculptures of the lions at the monument to Horatio Nelson in Trafalgar Square, which surely more than a few of you have seen. In this case, we did not want to miss sharing this impressive work with you, in which he portrays a majestic Landseer (the breed's name is a tribute to the painter, who created many works featuring this beautiful dog, which you can learn more about by reading here). According to the stories, he saved 23 twenty-three people from drowning in the River Thames in London.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Édouard Manet, the father of the Impressionists, painted this tender work in 1866. It is now housed in the National Gallery of Art. The protagonist is this beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is characterized by an active and cheerful temperament, despite the sobriety and languor with which “the model” poses. Good boy!
Naked Boy Hugging a Cat
This work by Renoir, painted in 1868, is currently displayed at the Musée d’Orsay. And it continues to intrigue everyone who sees it because this male nude has no equivalent in the painter’s work. The fact that the model’s identity is unknown undoubtedly heightens the sense of mystery it conveys. According to experts, for now it has been ruled out that it might contain mythological references. Until we learn more, we will keep smiling whenever we see that enormous cat (whose name is unknown, of course), letting itself be hugged placidly, as if it were a stuffed animal.
The White Cat
We have to admit that this cat painted by Bonnard is rather strange: it arches its back excessively, has its head lowered, eyes with furrows, and a slightly mischievous air. But we like it very much, because the cat becomes a model and the artist allows himself to experiment and explore his own painting abilities. In fact, the work is classified within the «Nabi» style and has a Japanese influence both in its daring, asymmetrical composition and in its subject.
Throughout his entire career, Bonnard painted countless canvases featuring cats, sometimes as a more or less visible detail, and sometimes, as in this case, as the central subject.